Aplastic anemia is a rare blood disorder that occurs when the body stops producing enough new blood cells. As a result, the body does not have enough red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Without these healthy blood cells, the body cannot get enough oxygen or fight infections.
Symptoms of Aplastic Anemia
The symptoms of aplastic anemia can vary from person to person, but some common symptoms include:
• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Pale skin
• Bruising or bleeding easily
• Infection
• Dizziness
Which organs are affected by aplastic anemia?
Aplastic anemia affects the bone marrow, which is the spongy tissue inside the bones where blood cells are made. When the bone marrow does not make enough new blood cells, the body is left without enough oxygen and the ability to fight infection. As a result, many organs can be affected.
The most common organs affected include the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys. These organs can be damaged due to a lack of oxygen or an infection. Other organs that can be affected include the spleen, pancreas, and brain.
Treatment for Aplastic Anemia
The goal of treatment for aplastic anemia is to replace the missing blood cells and restore the body’s ability to fight infection and get enough oxygen. Treatment options include medications, blood transfusions, bone marrow transplants, and stem cell transplants.
Medications, such as immunosuppressants, may be used to help prevent the body from attacking the new blood cells. Blood transfusions may be used to replace missing red blood cells. Bone marrow transplants and stem cell transplants are used to replace the bone marrow with healthy cells.
Aplastic anemia is a serious condition that requires ongoing medical care. Treatment options vary from person to person, so it is important to speak to your doctor about the best treatment option for you.